Mangosteen (garcinia mangostana)

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Other names for mangosteen

mangosteen

Synopsis of mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), often referred to as the "queen of fruits," is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The fruit has a thick, dark purple rind (pericarp) and a soft, juicy, segmented white interior prized for its sweet-tart flavor. While the edible flesh is enjoyed as a delicacy, it is the rind—rich in bioactive compounds—that is most valued in herbal and functional medicine.

The key medicinal constituents of mangosteen are a group of polyphenols called xanthones, particularly alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin, which exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. These xanthones are concentrated in the peel and have been studied for their role in modulating inflammatory pathways, inhibiting tumor growth, and supporting immune defenses.

Mangosteen is often used in the form of juices, powdered extracts, capsules, and tinctures, particularly in natural health products targeting joint inflammation, skin health, immune support, and chronic fatigue. The rind has also been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and reduce oxidative stress, which underlies many chronic degenerative conditions.

Beyond its xanthone content, mangosteen also offers vitamin C, fiber, and trace minerals, supporting general wellness and digestive health. The rind has mild antimicrobial properties, and its extract has been used in topical applications for acne, eczema, and wound healing.

Historical Use
Mangosteen has a long history in Southeast Asian traditional medicine, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In these regions, the fruit and its rind were used in folk remedies for treating skin infections, diarrhea, wounds, ulcers, and fevers.

In traditional Thai medicine, the dried rind was decocted to treat dysentery, inflammation, and urinary tract infections. Women also consumed mangosteen preparations postpartum to promote healing and prevent infections. The pericarp was often dried and powdered for use in topical pastes applied to skin lesions, boils, and fungal infections.

The bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree were occasionally used for antipyretic purposes, and infusions were made to alleviate digestive complaints. The fruit itself was viewed as cooling and hydrating—ideal for counteracting tropical heat and gastrointestinal upset.

In Ayurveda, while not native to India, mangosteen was adopted in some regions for its ability to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas, and was occasionally included in formulas for managing inflammation and skin conditions.

By the 19th century, European colonists and travelers had begun to note the fruit’s unique properties, praising it for its flavor and medicinal potential. Though fresh mangosteen remained rare outside tropical zones for many years, interest grew in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the emergence of superfruit marketing and functional beverages, leading to extensive research into its phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Today, mangosteen is commonly found in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, and continues to be studied for its promising potential in managing inflammation, oxidative stress, infections, and metabolic syndrome.

Mangosteen is used for these health conditions

Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

mangosteen is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)